Diamond Pet Foods Plans to Honor Dogs Who Do Good Work

META, Mo., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- While summer officially arrived only days ago, Diamond Pet Foods, a leading manufacturer of super-premium pet foods, is already making plans to celebrate Labor Day. The pet food manufacturer is seeking nominations for its second annual "Labor Dog" contest, which will recognize working dogs that make a difference in the everyday lives of Americans.

For a chance to win a free bag of Diamond Naturals each month for one year, dog owners are encouraged to submit an essay explaining how their canine companion has made a difference through its work in the home or community. Winners will be announced the week prior to Labor Day.

Diamond Pet Foods recognizes that working dogs play an important role in society by providing affection, entertainment, guidance, and even protection. Assistance and therapy dogs, police and military K-9 units, farm hounds, movie stars and more create a canine workforce that makes valuable contributions that are often overlooked.

While certain breeds, such as St. Bernards and German shepherds, come to mind when considering dogs that labor, a dog of any breed can be a hardworking hero.

"Last year, we were excited about the variety of experiences that dog owners shared, and we were touched by their stories," said John Kampeter, director of marketing, Diamond Pet Foods. "Among our winners were a Jack Russell terrier and an Italian greyhound -- not the first breeds you would think of as 'labor dogs,' but they proved to be amazing animals."

The 2006 Diamond Pet Foods Labor Dog Essay Contest winners were as follows:

  -- Golden Girl ("G.G."), a golden retriever, Katy, Texas - Diagnosed with
     cerebral palsy at birth, Gina Mosley and G.G. tackle everyday tasks
     together. Mosley said her assistance dog helps her balance, opens and
     closes doors, and has also boosted her self-confidence.

  -- Hero, a rottweiler, Liberty, Mo. - While many therapy dogs specialize
     in working with one age group or individuals in similar situations,
     Hero, a rottweiler, serves the needs of people ranging in age from 6 to
     96 in a variety of situations, including schools, nursing homes, and
     hospitals.

  -- Kevin, a German shepherd, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. - As a trained
     security dog, Kevin was on a tour of duty in Iraq with his handler, Dan
     McClain. During his first deployment to Iraq, McClain requested to be
     trained as a handler when he returned home.

  -- Byron, an Italian greyhound, Key Largo, Fla. - After a serious car
     accident injured his owner, Byron, who was already trained as a therapy
     dog, helps his owner with daily tasks including removing her shoes and
     socks, fetching dropped objects, and helping with the laundry.

  -- Snooker, a Jack Russell terrier, and Scout, Yankee and Smidge,
     maremmas, Windsor, Mo. - When a tornado ripped through their farm and
     home, Snooker, who had training as a therapy dog, stayed by the side of
     his wheelchair-bound owner while Scout, Yankee and Smidge, kept the
     family's sheep out of harm's way as shelters were uprooted and fencing
     was destroyed.

To enter, dog owners or handlers must submit an essay of 500 words or less that answers the question, "How does your working dog contribute to your home and/or community?" Essays must be e-mailed to labordogs@diamondpet.com as an attached word document or PDF file. Complete contest rules are available at http://www.diamondpet.com/. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited.

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time on Aug. 6, 2007.

Diamond Pet Foods will select five essays and award those contestants a 40-pound bag of Diamond Naturals each month for a year.

Based in Meta, Mo., family-owned Diamond Pet Foods was founded in 1970. Diamond is a leading manufacturer of super-premium pet food and the choice of professional breeders, sporting and working dog owners and family pet owners. More information is available at http://www.diamondpet.com/.